When Register technology reporter Ian Hamilton asked if I’d accompany him to Las Vegas to shoot photographs for the Register’s coverage of The Consumer Electronics Show all I could do was shrug and casually reply, “Meh, sure.”

Alas, the first three days of our adventure at the show were consumed by meetings with suit-clad PR-types representing O.C.’s tech giants. Fine fellows, all, but I’m but a simple photojournalist.

I wanted to see robots and flying vacuums, iPhone-guided remote control helicopters, smartphones that make phone calls as well as julienned fries.

On Saturday morning, I broke away from Ian for a bit and began my journey into the geeky chaos that is CES; 1.8 million square feet of iPhone cases, funky, new Android-OS-powered devices, thumping sound systems, flashing lights and chatty sales people.

Where to start?

Then, there it was – right outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Main Hall – GM’s EN-V concept vehicle. Done and done.

Driving the EN-V

What is the EN-V? It’s a 2-seater, enclosed Segway vehicle. However, unlike a Segway, you control these things using a hand/throttle steering interface.

According to GM’s press release, the EN-V, short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, was designed to address environmental issues and alleviate concerns about traffic congestion, parking availability, energy consumption and affordability for tomorrow’s cities.

GM unveiled three EN-V models in March at the Shanghai World Expo. They represent three different characteristics that emphasize the enjoyable nature of future transportation: Jiao (Pride), Miao (Magic) and Xiao (Laugh).

The EN-V is propelled by electric motors in each of its two driving-mode wheels. Dynamic stabilization technology empowers the EN-V with a unique ability to carry two passengers and light cargo in a footprint about a third of the size of a traditional vehicle.

Since it rides on two side-mounted wheels it has zero turning radius. It can literally turn on a dime.

In addition, everything in the EN-V is drive-by-wire, supporting the ability to operate autonomously or under manual control. The motors not only provide power for acceleration, but also bring the vehicle to a stop.

Power for the motors is provided by lithium-ion batteries that produce zero emissions. Recharging can occur from a conventional wall outlet using standard household power, allowing EN-V to travel at least 25 miles on a single charge.

This is a concept vehicle, for now. There is no publicly stated release date or price point for the EN-V, yet.

What I can tell you is that this thing is a kick in the pants to ride around in. I rode in the red Miao, Chinese for “Magic,” model.

You enter through a UFO-looking glass canopy hatch with the vehicle nose-down on the pavement.

Once the hatch closes and the drive system is initiated gyroscopes, inspired by the Segway, begin turning, which lifts the nose – balancing it on two wheels. The vehicle’s cab shifts position on the chassis so the side-mounted wheels situate mid-body.

And, you’re off.

I wouldn’t describe the ride like floating on a cloud. It’s a little bumpy, but handles well for a prototype.

I could see something like this becoming popular at places like Leisure World, companies with very large campuses, like Google and film studios, theme parks, small beach communities and golf courses.

It’s a snappy prototype with a whole lot of cool and was a highlight of my week covering CES 2011.

Joshua Sudock began his Orange County Register career in 2004 as a photojournalist. In the ensuing years he’s won multiple awards from the National Press Photographers Association, Associated Press and The California Newspaper Association. His work has been syndicated in publications around the world and across the country; from The New York Times to TIME. In 2016, Sudock transitioned from the photo department to the metro desk and became the newsroom’s leadoff breaking news and crime reporter.

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